Daijiworld Media Network – Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, Jan 15: In a startling revelation, a set of lower-income individuals—including a driver, cook, cleaner, vegetable vendor, and even a physically challenged person—have reportedly served as “pocket witnesses” for a single police officer in at least 150 criminal cases in Mauganj district between 2022 and 2024.
The cases, mostly related to cannabis smuggling, illicit liquor trade, and illegal arms, were registered at Laur and Nai Garhi police stations when sub-inspector Jagdish Singh Thakur was posted there. Allegations suggest that these witnesses were repeatedly used to help Thakur in the prosecution of cases, even when they had no firsthand knowledge of the crimes.
According to the complaint submitted by local social activist Kunjbihari Thakur, Thakur’s personal driver, Amit Kushwaha, appears as the sole or joint witness in around 100 cases. Others listed repeatedly include Dinesh Kushwaha, a former cook now selling vegetables; cleaner Dara alias Ramakant Yadav; former driver Rahul Vishwakarma; and a physically challenged man, Arun Tiwari.
Speaking to reporters, Dinesh Kushwaha clarified, “I might have signed as a witness three or four times. In other cases, the police put my signature without my presence. I never visited the crime spots. My signature was taken at the police station only.” Similarly, Rahul Vishwakarma and Dara confirmed that they were never present at crime scenes but were listed in multiple cases by police.
Social activist Kunjbihari Thakur described the situation as alarming, saying, “One witness, Amit Kushwaha, appears in over 100 cases, even on the same day for crimes occurring 10 km apart. This pattern points to fixed or sponsored witnesses, possibly used to implicate innocent people in false cases.” He added that Jagdish Thakur had been suspended earlier but was later reinstated at the same police station, raising further concerns about accountability.
In response, Mauganj district Superintendent of Police Dilip Soni has ordered a formal probe. “The Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) has been tasked with the investigation. Jagdish Singh Thakur has been attached to the district police lines to ensure the probe is impartial,” Soni confirmed.
Sources suggest that Thakur, who has served in both Rewa and Mauganj districts, enjoys support from influential political figures in the Vindhya region, which could complicate the investigation. The probe aims to ascertain the extent of misuse of witnesses and hold responsible parties accountable.
This case has sent shockwaves through Mauganj, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure transparency and credibility in criminal investigations.